Congresswoman Tenney Meets with Bosnia's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs to Discuss Social and Political Challenges and Opportunities Confronting Southeast Europe

Statement

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22) met with Josip Brkić, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), to discuss the current challenges facing the unique political and social structure of BiH. They were joined by the National Federation of Croatian Americans(NFCA) President Steve Rukavina, NFCA Public Affairs Director Joe Foley and Embassy Political Affairs Counselor Saša Kragulj.

They addressed the continued need for the successful westernization of the new nation-states of the Western Balkans and other pressing issues within Southeast Europe. As a longtime supporter of the Bosnian community in the 22nd Congressional District, Rep. Tenney volunteered for many years to help resettle the Utica area's Bosnian community who arrived as refugees in the 1990s.

"It was an honor to meet with Minister Brkić to discuss the many ways we can work together to strengthen our countries' relationship. I spent three summers in the 1980's studying in the former Yugoslavia, and worked for the Consulate General of Yugoslavia in New York City during the 1984 Sarajevo Olympics. These experiences have given me a unique insight into the many opportunities for bilateral growth between our countries and greater peace and stability in the region," said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney.

"It is a great tribute for the US Congress to have such a knowledgeable Representative who well understands our history and strongly backs greater US support for progress in Bosnia and SE Europe," said Minister Brkić

Brkić is also point person in his Sarajevo ministry for Bosnia's goal of accession to full NATO membership.

"This meeting between Rep. Tenney and Minister Brkić is another important example of successful bilateral diplomacy that will yield further progress for Bosnia's growing relationship with critical western multilateral institutions. Continuation on this important path will help ensure BiH economic and political success as a relatively new nation-state in SE Europe," said NFCA President Steve Rukavina

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney continued, "I have maintained strong friendships with the Bosnian and Croatian communities in Utica and throughout the country. My family's business founded the first Bosnian newspaper in Utica, Mostovi, which means "Bridges" in the Croatian and Bosnian languages. As the co-chair of the Congressional Croatian Caucus, I will continue to be a strong advocate for US engagement in the region, help ensure that a multi-ethnic political voice is heard throughout BiH, and our countries continue to work closely together at all levels."

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